PG: Russell Westbrook/D.J. Augustin/Cameron Payne
SG: Anthony Morrow/Dion Waiters/
SF: Kevin Durant/Kyle Singler/Andre Roberson/Josh Huestis/Steve Novak
PF: Serge Ibaka/Nick Collison/Perry Jones III
C: Steven Adams/Mitch McGary/Dakari Johnson
What They Did On Draft Night
Drafted Murray State point guard Cameron Payne 14th overall
2015 Free Agents
C Enes Kanter (RFA)
What They Did On Draft Night
Drafted Murray State point guard Cameron Payne 14th overall
The Thunder seem to have their sights on Cameron Payne since early in the process, and the got their guy. It makes sense since backup point guard was one of the few longterm needs they had, with D.J. Augustin set to become a free agent next summer. This is an ideal situation for Payne because there won't be any pressure on him to come in and be the guy at point guard, instead he'll have a role and be able to play off of the Thunder's stars. Payne fits well in Oklahoma City because he is a good spot-up shooter that can play off the ball when sharing the backcourt with Russell Westbrook, but is also able to take the reins as the lead guard with Westbrook on the bench. It is also good for Payne that he won't have to shoulder starters minutes any time soon, he needs to get stronger before that will be a good idea.
Drafted Kentucky center Dakari Johnson 48th overall
Drafted Kentucky center Dakari Johnson 48th overall
Due to the incredible amount of talent on the Thunder's roster, Dakari Johnson is not likely to see a single minute of action this season, but will play in the D-League the whole year. Johnson is an old school, low-post center that plays very much below the rim. Johnson rebounds well and has great size, but will likely struggle on both ends of the court due to his well below average athletic ability. Playing in the D-League will benefit Johnson because he can learn to use his size to compensate in a low pressure environment.
What To Do Next
What To Do Next
The Thunder want to bring back Enes Kanter and Kyle Singler, but besides that their roster is full so there isn't much else they can do unless they look for a trade involving D.J. Augustin in order to clear the way for Payne. Some of the periphery young talent on the roster could also be packaged with a pic or one of the Euro players Oklahoma City has the rights to in order to upgrade the shooting guard spot or clear room for a signing.
A bonus trade sure to never happen
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